June 27 coronavirus news

By Jessie Yeung, Brett McKeehan, Tara John, Fernando Alfonso III and Amir Vera, CNN

Updated 0434 GMT (1234 HKT) June 28, 2020
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7:06 p.m. ET, June 27, 2020

There are 2.5 million coronavirus cases in US

From CNN’s Melissa Alonso

There are at least 2,500,419 cases of coronavirus in the US, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally. At least 125,434 people have died from coronavirus nationwide.

On Saturday, Johns Hopkins reported 32,865 new cases and 395 reported deaths. The totals include cases from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and other US territories, as well as repatriated cases.

Keep up with the latest numbers with CNN's interactive map.

6:40 p.m. ET, June 27, 2020

Brazil reports more than 1,100 new Covid-19 deaths

From journalist Marcia Reverdosa in São Paulo and CNN’s Taylor Barnes in Atlanta

Brazil's health ministry reported 1,109 new Covid-19 deaths on Saturday, bringing the country’s death toll to 57,070.

The ministry reported 38,693 new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the nationwide total to 1.31 million.

5:43 p.m. ET, June 27, 2020

Here's a breakdown of the states pausing or rolling back reopening plans

From CNN"s Artemis Moshtaghian

Due to the rise in coronavirus cases, 12 states — Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas and Washington — have rolled back or paused reopening plans.

Here's a breakdown of where all 50 states stand when it comes to reopening:

Alabama – Reopening continues as state education and health officials unveiled on Friday a road map for school districts to reopen in the fall.

Alaska – The state is currently in phase three of a four-phase reopening plan.

Arizona – Gov. Doug Ducey said Thursday the state’s reopening plans are now "on pause" as a result of a major spike in coronavirus cases.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Thursday he is not ready to further lift restrictions as cases surge.

California – If and when Covid-19 patients begin to strain resources like hospitals and ICU beds, Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to pull back on their reopening ability, he said Thursday.

Colorado – Gov. Jared Polis and state health officials said Thursday if the virus keeps spreading, they may have to slow or stop the reopening process.

Connecticut – Gov. Ned Lamont said Thursday the state appears to be on track for a safe reopening of schools in the fall.

Delaware – Gov. John Carney announced Thursday the delay of the third phase of economic reopening originally scheduled for Monday.

Florida – Gov. Ron DeSantis says the state has no plan for continuing its reopening. The state has stopped on premises consumption of alcohol at bars.

Georgia – The majority of Georgia businesses statewide have reopened with restrictions. Live venues are slated to reopen July 1.

Hawaii – Reopening continues with Gov. David Ige announcing that travel restrictions will be lifted for tourist with negative tests results.

Idaho – Gov. Brad Little on Thursday said the state will remain in stage four of reopening for at least two more weeks.

Illinois – The fourth phase of reopening in Illinois starts Friday and includes gyms and indoor dining.

Indiana – Indiana is on track to enter the fifth and final stage of reopening on July 4.

Iowa – Reopening continues as state education officials released guidelines Thursday allowing schools to reopen to normal activities as of July 1.

Kansas – Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday she is recommending communities remain in phase three of the state's reopening plan in for at least two more weeks.

Kentucky – Reopening plans resume as state allows visitation at assisted living facilities to begin on Monday.

Louisiana – Gov. John Bel Edwards on Thursday formally extended the second phase of reopening in Louisiana for another 28 days, as new Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations increase.

Maine – Gov. Janet Mills paused the state's next phase, which would allow bars and restaurants to reopen July 1.

Maryland – Gov. Larry Hogan said the state will "continue to safely reopen" in a statement Thursday.

Massachusetts – State is currently in phase two and on track to start phase three in July.

Michigan – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer allowed Thursday for professional sports to return without spectators.

Minnesota – Reopening continues with indoor games and scrimmages for youth sports expected to resume on July 1.

Mississippi – All Mississippi businesses were allowed to reopen in early June.

Missouri – Reopening continues as the state entered second phase of its "Show Me Strong Recovery" plan on June 16.

Montana – State has been in second phase of reopening since June 1, but there is no indication when it will move into its final phase.

Nebraska – Reopening continues with most counties currently in third phase.

Nevada – Gov. Steve Sisolak said Monday there is no timeline for further lifting of restrictions.

New Hampshire – Reopening continues with movie theaters and other venues expected to open on Monday.

New Jersey – Reopening still underway, Atlantic City casinos can reopen July 2 with 25% capacity.

New Mexico – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Thursday further economic reopening plans are on hold. "We’re not quite ready to go to Phase Two," she said.

New York - Gov. Andrew Cuomo removed shopping malls, gyms and movie theaters from its plans to reopen during phase four.

North Carolina – Gov. Roy Cooper extended the second phase of the state's reopening plan for three additional weeks on Wednesday.

North Dakota – State's "Smart Restart" plan continues to ease restrictions on restaurants, bars and school graduations.

Ohio – Reopening is continuing with the latest restrictions lifted on June 22, allowing sports practice to resume.

Oklahoma – Gov. Kevin Stitt said Friday he is not planning to roll back any reopening plans at this point.

Oregon – Most of the state is currently in phase two. In early June, Gov. Kate Brown paused pending county applications for reopening for a week when case count rose following the start of reopening.

Pennsylvania – The southeastern part of the state advance to its "green phase" Friday. The rest of the state is expected to do the same on July 3.

Rhode Island – State expects to advance to phase three in July. Parking capacity at Rhode Island beaches was expanded this week.

South Carolina – Reopening continues. State education officials released guidelines Monday for reopening school districts.

South Dakota – Reopening efforts continue.

Tennessee – Reopening continues. State is currently in third phase of its four-part reopening plan.

Texas – Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday ordered bars to close again and restaurants to reduce capacity to 50%. On Thursday Abbot said the state would pause any further phases to reopen.

Utah – State's four-part, tiered reopening plan continues. Gov. Gary Herbert did pause the state's plan for a short time in early June.

Vermont – State remains on track with reopening.

Virginia – Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said Tuesday that he plans to loosen restrictions for the state on July 1.

Washington – Gov. Jay Inslee pauses reopening cities and going into fourth phase of reopening plan due to rising coronavirus cases

West Virginia – State will advance into week nine of reopening on Monday.

Wisconsin – State reopening plans continue, though local officials have said they might restrict bars and restaurants if numbers continue to rise. Dane County will restrict bar capacity after a spike there.

Wyoming – Reopening continues with visitation for long term health facilities resuming last week.

5:29 p.m. ET, June 27, 2020

Texas reports 5,747 new coronavirus cases today

From CNN's Melissa Alonso

Texas health officials reported 5,747 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturda, bringing the total case count to 143,371 cases, according to the state's health agency website. 

A total of 2,366 people have died in the state. 

On Thursday, Texas reported 5,996 new cases, its highest number of new cases in a single day. 

Texas has performed more than 1.9 million tests, according to the state's Health and Human Services Department.

For a nationwide and global scale of the coronavirus, check out CNN's interactive map and Johns Hopkins University's Covid-19 tracking project.

5:30 p.m. ET, June 27, 2020

Trump campaign postpones Vice President's events in Florida and Arizona due to surge in coronavirus cases

From CNN's Jason Hoffman, DJ Judd and Sam Fossum

Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a coronavirus task force briefing in Washington, DC, on June 26.
Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a coronavirus task force briefing in Washington, DC, on June 26. Joshua Roberts/Getty Images

The Trump campaign has postponed Vice President Mike Pence's campaign events in Florida and Arizona next week "out of an abundance of caution," the campaign told CNN. 

The decision to postpone the events comes as both states and the country experience a surge in coronavirus cases. Pence had a handful of campaign and political-related events scheduled as part of his trips to both states.

The Vice President's office did not provide an updated schedule for Pence's trips.

"The Vice President is still traveling to Texas, Arizona, and Florida this week as he said he is meeting with the Governors and their healthcare teams," a spokesperson from the office said in a statement to CNN.

The Associated Press and NBC first reported the schedule changes. 

During Friday’s White House coronavirus task force briefing Pence said that he will be traveling to Texas, Arizona and Florida, three of the states hardest hit in recent weeks by the pandemic, so he could "get a ground report."

Pence on Sunday will travel to Dallas where he will speak at First Baptist Church to participate in a “Celebrate Freedom Rally,” which his office bills as a celebration of American freedom and spirit. He will then meet with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott about Covid-19.

When pressed Friday by reporters over the wisdom of holding campaign rallies, even as public health officials continue to warn against large gatherings, Pence described it as a personal decision outside the government's purview.

"The freedom of speech, the right to peaceably assemble is enshrined in the Constitution of the United States," Pence said when asked why he and President Donald Trump moved forward with campaign events.

"We have an election coming up this fall," Pence said. "And President Trump and I believe that, taking proper steps — we created screening at recent events — and giving people the very best counsel that we have, we still want to give people the freedom to participate in the political process. And we respect that."

4:29 p.m. ET, June 27, 2020

Washington state to pause moving to phase 4 as Covid-19 cases rise, governor says

From CNN’s Artemis Moshtaghian

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee speaks during a press conference in March.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee speaks during a press conference in March. Karen Ducey/Getty Images

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee announced that he’s pausing the state's planned move into phase four of reopening due to rising cases across the state and concerns about the continued spread of Covid-19, according to a statement released on Saturday.

"Phase four would mean a return to normal activity and we can’t do that now due to the continued rise in cases across the state," Inslee said in the statement. "We all want to get back to doing all the things we love in Washington during the summer, and fully open our economy, but we aren’t there yet. This is an evolving situation and we will continue to make decisions based on the data."
3:51 p.m. ET, June 27, 2020

European Union pledges $6 billion to help vulnerable countries "devastated" by coronavirus

From CNN’s Zahid Mahmood in London

The president of the European Council, Ursula Von Der Leyen, said on Saturday that the European Union will pledge 4.9 billion Euros ($6 billion) to help vulnerable countries “devastated” by the coronavirus pandemic.

During the summit "Global Goal – Unite for our Future," Von Der Leyen said the EU needs to “rebuild communities,” and pledged the money alongside a partnership with the European Commission and the European Investment Bank.

“We will only end this pandemic when it has been ended everywhere,” Von Der Leyen said. “That means every person in the world having access to tests, treatments and vaccines, no matter where they live, where they are from or what they look like."

Von Der Leyen said the EU must "invest in producing vaccines at unprecedented speed and scale." Von Der Leyen added that she was a “firm believer” in vaccine multilateralism, saying that you cannot beat the virus by only “vaccinating your own people while neglecting others."

“We live in a very connected world,” she said.

Von Der Leyen also said she is trying to convince high income countries to reserve vaccines not only for themselves, but also for low and middle income countries, adding it is a “stress test for solidarity.”

3:02 p.m. ET, June 27, 2020

Miami-Dade County mayor is concerned about spike in Covid-19 cases among younger people

From CNN’s Deanna Hackney

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said he is concerned about the rising percentage of coronavirus cases in the region.

"We were running around 8%, and now we're running, last two weeks, over 14%, so that's what's causing me a little bit of concern,” he told CNN on Saturday. "It's the younger people that are getting infected, which then may give it to their parents or their grandparents, which again is the age group that we're really concerned about."

Gimenez said they are seeing a spike in the 18-to-34 and 35-to-44 age groups.

Miami-Dade beaches are closing on the July 4 weekend as a pro-active measure to prevent "a spike on top of a spike" in positive coronavirus cases, the mayor said.

"Here in Miami-Dade we expected huge crowds to be at the beach, it would have been very hard for us to control our social distancing and having people abide by the rules," Gimenez said.

Statewide numbers: Florida health officials reported at least 9,585 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Health. This is the highest single-day increase the state has seen since the start of the pandemic.

2:04 p.m. ET, June 27, 2020

Flight attendant union wants protective equipment for airline staff

CNN
CNN

Sara Nelson, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants, is calling for more protections and federal support for airline staff – including things like a mask mandate for passengers and personal protective equipment for attendants.

"We're aviation's first responders. Because of supply chain issues, and our health care professionals on the front line don't even have full access to N95 masks; we don't have access to those either – but we should have those as well," she told CNN on Saturday.

Nelson also said flight attendants need to be able to social distance when working.

"So if our workspace is within 6 feet of passengers' seats, those seats should be blocked out," she said.

On the issue of passengers wearing masks, she said flight attendants are the ones enforcing individual airline's policies without the backing of federal leadership. This makes it difficult, Nelson said.

"The federal government had led people to believe that this is a political issue rather than a public health issue. So we're dealing with conflicts there, just in enforcing this policy that keeps everyone safe," Nelson said.